Double Stigma: Reluctance to be referred to a psychiatrist among people with epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities.

Introduction: Psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among people with epilepsy (PWE). These two co-occurring chronic illnesses could lead to double stigma and negatively impact every aspect of psychiatric and epilepsy care for PWE, especially in help-seeking behavior. We aimed to identify the socio-demographic and clinical factors contributing to reluctance to be referred to a psychiatrist among PWE.

Anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder: Prevalence and Treatment Expectations and Satisfaction with Treatment Goals Among Patients and Physicians in Asia-Pacific.

Purpose: To explore the prevalence of anhedonia (ANH) in major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment expectation and satisfaction among patients with MDD and physicians in the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods: This cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in April-May 2023 among physicians and individuals aged ≥18 years with self-reported physician diagnosis of MDD (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] score ≥ 10) further stratified by anhedonia as measured by the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS): MDD-ANH (SHAPS score > 2) and MDD non-ANH (SHAPS score ≤ 2). The study assessed the prevalence of anhedonia in MDD as well as the perspectives on the treatment of anhedonia in MDD in terms of expectations and satisfaction among patients and physicians.

Adaptation, Validation, and Feasibility Evaluation of Mindful Standing Yoga Combined with Baduanjin for Older Patients with Primary Osteoporosis.

Objective: This study aimed to adapt, validate, and evaluate the feasibility of a mindful exercise program (Mindful Standing Yoga combined with Baduanjin) for older patients with primary osteoporosis.

Methods: The study was conducted in 3 stages. Stage 1 involved a qualitative focus group discussion with 6 experts to gather perspectives on modifying the exercise program.

Efficacy of Mindfulness Exercises for Primary Osteoporosis Pain and Balance: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Mindfulness exercise has shown great benefits for patients with osteoporosis. However, there are various types of mindfulness exercises and no studies have compared their efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of mindfulness exercises on pain and balance in patients with primary osteoporosis.

The effect of 20-minute mindful breathing exercise on psychological well-being in epilepsy: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Depression and anxiety are prevalent in epilepsy patients, but psychiatric or psychological services may not be accessible to all patients. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the 20-minute mindful breathing on the psychological well-being of PWE using an instructional video.

Method: This was a pilot, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Using decision support tools for treatment decision making about antidepressants in outpatient psychiatric consultations.

Objective: To examine the use of decision support tools in decision making about antidepressants during conversations between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and their psychiatrists.

Methods: Theme-oriented discourse analysis of two psychiatric consultation groups: control (n = 17) and intervention (n = 16). In the control group, only a doctor's conversation guide was used; in the intervention group, the conversation guide and a patient decision aid (PDA) were used.

Ethical Issues in Photovoice Studies involving Key Populations: A Scoping Review.

Photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, employs images and words to convey participants' needs, concerns, and desires. It proves particularly valuable in researching marginalized communities who face elevated health risks, disease transmission, and social and health disparities. This paper seeks to investigate the ethical considerations inherent in photovoice research projects.

Perceptions Toward Exercise or Mindful Exercise Participation Among Patients With Primary Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Study.

Exercise is significantly beneficial for patients with osteoporosis. However, physiological and psychological factors such as pain and kinesiophobia prevent patients from participating in exercise. Therefore, it is important to understand how these patients perceive participation in exercise.

Feasibility of psychological screening in a tertiary epilepsy clinic.

Objective: People with epilepsy (PWE) have a high prevalence of developing depression and anxiety. The objective is to determine the feasibility of brief screening tools to screen for depression and anxiety in epilepsy, and the predictive factors.

Method: This is a cross-sectional study in the neurology clinic in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

A 6-Month Open-Label Study of Vortioxetine among Cancer Patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Objective: Vortioxetine is a monoaminergic drug with a novel multimodal mechanism of action. We investigated its efficacy on depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and quality of life among cancer patients.

Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, single-arm, observational study, patients received flexible doses of Vortioxetine for a period of six months.

Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients in a Developing Nation.

Background: Quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers of cancer patients is usually affected due to increase in caregiver burden. Their QOL has not garnered much attention by many including the health professionals and community. This study aims to explore the QOL of family caregivers of cancer patients in a multi-ethnic country in Asia and to investigate its associate factors.

Controversies Around COVID-19 Vaccines and Antidepressants: Scope and Perspective in Malaysia.

Background: Individuals with severe mental illness are prone to severe COVID-19 infection with increased morbidity and mortality. Psychiatric patients are often concerned about the potential interactions between the newly approved COVID-19 vaccines in Malaysia and psychotropic drugs like antidepressants. To date, such data are unavailable.

Adverse events following immunization and psychological distress among cancer patients/survivors following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Purpose: This study aims to describe the adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in cancer patients/survivors associated with their psychological distress.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess AEFIs after the receipt of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in cancer patients/survivors attending a university hospital in Malaysia. Psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before and after the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Mindfulness-based supportive therapy on reducing suffering in patients with advanced cancer: randomised controlled trial.

Objectives: Suffering is common among patients with advanced cancer. The practice of mindfulness during patient care can potentially reduce suffering. We aimed to examine the efficacy of mindfulness-based supportive therapy (MBST) on reducing suffering in patients with advanced cancer.

Psychological Distress, Burden of Care, and the Role of Coping Strategies Among Childminders in Residential Children's Homes.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of psychological distress and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, burden of care, and the coping strategies used by childminders in residential homes. A total of 151 childminders (median age = 39; 64.7% female) participated in the study.

Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial.

Context: Numerous studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and improve quality of life.

Objective: Our study aimed to examine the effect of mindful gratitude journaling on suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: We conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.

The effect of 5-min mindfulness of love on suffering and spiritual quality of life of palliative care patients: A randomized controlled study.

Objective: Suffering is a common experience in palliative care. In our study, we aimed to determine the effect of 5-min mindfulness of love on suffering and the spiritual quality of life of palliative care patients.

Methods: We conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomized controlled study at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Malaysia from February 2019 to April 2019.

Depressive symptoms in residents of a tertiary training hospital in Malaysia: The prevalence and associated factors.

The mental wellbeing of doctors is becoming an increasing concern in the world today. In Malaysia, residency is a challenging period in a doctor's life, with many changes professionally and possibly in their personal lives as well. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the socio-demographic correlates among residents in a tertiary training hospital in Malaysia.

Effects of brief acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on subjective cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Purpose: This study examined the efficacy of a brief acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on subjective cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: Data collection was carried out in 3-time points: baseline (T1), screening (T2), and post-treatment (T3). Respondents who had significant subjective cognitive impairment were randomly divided into two groups: intervention (n = 30) and waitlist (n = 30).

Symptom reduction in palliative care from single session mindful breathing: a randomised controlled trial.

Context: There has been increasing evidence of the role of mindfulness-based interventions in improving various health conditions. However, the evidence for the use of mindfulness in the palliative care setting is still lacking.

Objectives: The objective of our study was to determine the efficacy of a single session of 20 min mindful breathing in alleviating multiple symptoms in palliative care.